Modular furniture piece having interchangeable arms

ABSTRACT

A modular furniture piece providing one or more seating surfaces comprises in one embodiment a first base member having a first side panel and a second side panel, a first back member releasably secured to the base member, and a first and second arm member releasably secured to the base member. The first and second arm members include an exterior finished panel and an interior engagement panel, wherein the interior engagement panel is capable of releasably engaging either the first side panel or the second side panel of the modular base member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a modular furniture piece providing one or moreseating surfaces. In particular, the invention relates to a modularfurniture piece having a modular base member, a modular back membercorresponding to the base member, and modular arm members that arecapable of engaging either one of the opposing sides of the base member.The invention further relates to a modular furniture piece having twobase members, two back members, and two arm members. Still further, theinvention relates to a modular furniture piece providing three or morebase members, three or more back members, and two arm members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As known to those skilled in the art, modular furniture pieces aretypically formed from a seat or base member, a back member, and at leastone arm member. The members are typically secured to one another usingany number of fasteners to form, for example, a chair, a loveseat, or asofa.

Today, the initial construction of modular furniture pieces is generallymanaged in the facilities of the furniture manufacturer. For example,the base member, back member and arm members are constructed and formedinto a finished furniture piece (e.g., a sofa). Oftentimes, the finishedfurniture piece is shipped to the mass merchant. In other instances, therespective members forming the furniture piece are broken down andshipped to the mass merchant. The partially-constructed members arepreferred for shipping purposes (i.e., space saving efficiencies fortransportation). In this case, the subsequent construction of themembers into the completed furniture piece is typically managed in thefacilities of the merchant.

In particular, the furniture industry favors the use of modularfurniture pieces which are readily incorporated into any number ofcombinations to form chairs, loveseats, or sofas. Known modularfurniture pieces typically reflect any number of styles. For example,the back members may include tapered sides or crowned tops. Further, thearm members may include outward swept front faces or substantiallyrectangular sides. Mass merchants typically order a number of particularstyles of modular furniture for sale. A majority of the styled furnitureis stored, while several pieces are constructed and placed on a showroomdisplay floor. Unfortunately, most modular members of a particular styleare exclusive to that particular style. Stated differently, oneparticular style of arm member is capable of correspondingly engagingonly that particular style of base member. Unfortunately, storage spaceavailable to furniture merchants is oftentimes limited. Thus, the numberof styles of furniture pieces that a mass merchant may stock in itsinventory is likewise limited. Thus, there is a need for providingmodular furniture pieces having members that are capable ofcorrespondingly engaging any number of other members irrespective of aparticular style to thereby minimize inventory storage space andmaximize storage efficiencies.

Further, known modular furniture pieces typically include arm membersthat are specifically designed to connect to one side of a base member.In other words, known arm members are constructed for attachment toeither a left side or a right side of a base member. As a resultmerchants are required to order and store a sufficient inventory of bothleft arm members and right arm members. Accordingly, there is a need forproviding modular furniture pieces having arm members that are capableof correspondingly engaging either side of a base member.

It will be further appreciated that the construction of known furniturepieces—and particularly the individual members—is not conducive tominimizing storage space. As a result, there is a need for providingmodular furniture pieces having members that improve storageefficiencies (e.g., stackability). In a related aspect, there is afurther need for providing modular furniture pieces having members thatpromote transportation efficiencies (i.e., less space required duringtransportation oftentimes leads to economic efficiencies).

Advantageously, the present invention provides a modular furniture piecehaving arm members that are capable of releasably engaging either sideof a base member. The present invention further provides a modularfurniture piece having one or more seating positions, wherein a varietyof styles of back members and arm members are capable of correspondinglyengaging a variety of styles of base members.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide modularfurniture pieces having members that are capable of correspondinglyengaging any number of other members irrespective of a particular style.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of modularfurniture pieces having arm members that are capable of correspondinglyengaging either side of a base member.

A further object of the invention is to provide modular furniture pieceshaving individual members that are suitable for storage, thus improvingstorage efficiencies.

Another object of the invention is the provision of modular furniturepieces having individual members that promote transportation andeconomic efficiencies.

The invention meets these objectives with a modular furniture pieceproviding one or more seating surfaces. In particular, the invention isa modular furniture piece having a base member, a back member, and armmembers that are capable of engaging either one of the opposing sides ofthe base member. Moreover, the invention is a modular furniture piecehaving members that are capable of correspondingly engaging one anotherirrespective of a particular style of which the members are designed.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention and themanner in which the same are accomplished will become clearer based onthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture piece in accordance with afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the furniturepiece.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the top plan view of the firstembodiment of the furniture piece.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of thefurniture piece taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 3 illustrating a side ofthe base member and a side of the back member.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of thefurniture piece taken along lines 5-5 in FIG. 3 depicting a side of thearm member.

FIG. 6A is a fragmentary front elevation view of a preferred embodimentof the furniture piece taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4 illustrating thearm member engaging the base member.

FIG. 6B is a fragmentary front elevation view of a preferred embodimentof the furniture piece taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4 illustrating thearm member removed from the base member.

FIG. 7A is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred embodiment ofthe furniture piece depicting the back member partially removed from thebase member.

FIG. 7B is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred embodiment ofthe furniture piece depicting the back member engaging the base member.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the furniturepiece as disassembled, stacked, and prepared for shipment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a furniture piece in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the top plan view of the secondembodiment of the furniture piece.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a furniture piece in accordance with athird embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of the top plan view of the thirdembodiment of the furniture piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodimentof the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that as used herein the term “modular” describesthe property of an article (e.g., furniture piece) constructed withstandardized units or dimensions for flexibility and variety in use.Further it will be understood that the term “furniture piece” may referto any number of pieces of furniture to include a chair, a loveseat, asofa, or a sectional piece comprising a combination of any number ofbase members, back members, and arm members. Accordingly, those skilledin the art will appreciate that the term “modular furniture piece” mayrefer to a series of standardized furniture pieces for use together. Itwill be further appreciated that the furniture pieces as describedherein may be formed from any number of materials to include wood,plastics, metals, or any other type of rigid or semi-rigid material ofsufficient strength to support weights comparable to any number ofindividuals.

The term “member” as used in conjunction with the furniture piece of thepresent invention refers to a major component part of the furniturepiece. For example, the members of the furniture piece may include abase member, a back member, and arm members. It will be understood thatthe term “interchangeable” as used in connection with the arm membersdescribes the characteristic wherein one arm member is capable of beingmutually substituted for another arm member.

As used herein, the term “panel” as used in conjunction with thefurniture piece of the present invention refers to a major componentpart of a member of the furniture piece and defines the major partitionelements of the member. Those skilled in the art will also appreciatethat panels include edges defined as the line of intersection of twosurfaces or a border.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term “fasteners” asused in conjunction with the furniture piece of the present inventionrefers to any number of structures used to connect, couple, or link onemember to another member. For example, the fasteners may includebrackets (e.g., male and female brackets), screws, struts, or apin-and-hole arrangement.

Further, it will also be understood by those of skill in the art that asused herein, the concept of a member being “between” two other membersdoes not necessarily imply that the three members are contiguous (i.e.,in intimate contact). Rather, as used herein, the concept of one memberbeing between two other members is meant to describe the relativepositions of the members within the furniture piece structure,respectively.

Similarly, the concept of a first member being connected to a secondmember by a third member, “opposite” the second member, merely describesthe relative positions of the first and second members within thefurniture piece. It will further be understood that the term “finished”means upholstered or covered with a material (e.g., textile fabric) toproduce an aesthetically appealing surface.

It will also be understood that the term “substantially rectangular”,“substantially trapezoidal”, and “substantially circular” is meant tosuccinctly describe a simple geometric shape approximating a rectangle,trapezoid, and circle, respectively. Similarly, the term “substantiallyparallel” is meant to describe the spatial relationship between, forexample, one arm member and another arm member, wherein the relationshipis approximately parallel. The term “substantially perpendicular” ismeant to describe the spatial relationship between, for example, a backmember and a base member, wherein the spatial relationship isapproximately perpendicular.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term “adjacent”refers to two or more, for example, members that have a common border orare in close proximity to one another. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that adjacent may or may not imply contact, but alwaysimplies the absence of anything of the same kind in between.

An overall view of a preferred embodiment of a modular furniture piecewhich incorporates features of the present invention is set forth inFIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 1, the modular furniture piece 10 includes afirst modular base member 11, a first modular back member 12, a firstmodular arm member 13, and a second modular arm member 14. The basemember, back member, and arm members are preferably upholstered withsuitable fabric.

With reference to FIG. 3 depicting the first embodiment of the modularfurniture piece, the modular base member 11 includes a front panel 15, arear panel 16, a first side panel 17, and a second side panel 18. In apreferred embodiment, the modular base member 11 is substantiallyrectangular. In an alternative embodiment, the modular base member 11may be substantially trapezoidal. Nevertheless, it will be understoodthat the modular base member 11 may be any number of shapes suitable forforming a seating position.

The modular base member 11 may include a corresponding back member 12that is releasably securable to the modular base member. Uponconstruction, the modular base member 11 and the corresponding backmember 12 define substantially perpendicular planes as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. In a preferred embodiment, the corresponding back member12 is substantially rectangular. It will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that the back member 12 may be any number of shapes suitablefor forming a back rest in a furniture piece (e.g., trapezoidal orcircular). The back member 12 further includes an upper portion and alower portion.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first modular arm member 13 includesopposing side panels. Specifically, the opposing side panels define anexterior finished panel 19 and an interior engagement panel 20. In apreferred embodiment, the exterior finished panel 19 is not specificallyconfigured to engage the first or second side panels 17, 18 of the basemember 11. Advantageously, the interior engagement panel 20 of the firstmodular arm member 13 is capable of releasably engaging either the firstside panel 17 or the second side panel 18 of the modular base member 11.Accordingly, the exterior finished panel 19 of the first modular armmember 13 defines a first exterior side surface 21 of the modularfurniture piece 10 as depicted in FIG. 2.

Further referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the second modular arm member 14also includes opposing side panels that define an exterior finishedpanel 25 and an interior engagement panel 26. As characterized in thefirst arm member 13, the interior engagement panel 26 of the secondmodular arm member 14 is also capable of releasably engaging either thefirst or second side panels 17, 18 of modular base member 11. Asconfigured, the exterior finished panel 25 of the second modular armmember 14 defines a second exterior side surface 27 of the furniturepiece 10, wherein the second exterior side surface 27 is positionedsubstantially opposite the first exterior side surface 21.

As a primary advantage of the present invention, the furniture merchantis only required to maintain and track three units for stock keepingpurposes—i.e., base members, back members, and arm members. Thereafter,the merchant is able to identify and select multiples of the threemembers for construction, display, and sale.

As another advantage of the present invention, the construction of thefirst and second arm members 13, 14—particularly the interior engagementpanels 20, 26—permits any number of styles of arm members to bereleasably secured to any number of styles of base members. Stateddifferently, the furniture manufacturer may produce one style of basemember and any number of styles of arm members, thereby multiplying thevarious embodiments (i.e., styles) of the furniture piece 10. Forexample, the arm members 13, 14, 53, 54, 90, 91 as depicted in FIGS. 1,9, and 11 represent unique styles. Specifically, the arm members 13, 14of FIG. 1 include a tapered lower portion, the arm members 53, 54 ofFIG. 9 include a bulbous upper portion, and the arm members 90, 91 ofFIG. 11 include a uniform width. As described herein, it will beunderstood that any number of styles of arm members may be releasablysecured to any of the embodiments depicted in the figures (i.e., thechair, the loveseat, and the sofa). This aspect of the present inventionpermits the furniture merchant to meet the demands of consumers who wishto purchase furniture having arm members of a different style than armmembers included with furniture displayed on the showroom floor. Inaccordance with characteristics of modular members, the manufacture iscapable of rapidly constructing furniture pieces providing one, two, orthree or more seating areas by using one style of base member andsecuring any style of arm member thereto.

Furthermore, the interchangeable styles of arm members permit afurniture merchant to stock and display the most popular base membersand back members, while storing a wide variety of styles of arm membersfor use in connection with the more popular base and back members. Thisadvantage minimizes floor space usage and maximizes storageefficiencies.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides substantiallyrectangular first and second modular arm members 13, 14. Those skilledin the art, however, will appreciate that the arm members 13, 14 may beany number of shapes (e.g., trapezoidal or circular) suitable forforming an armrest.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the first and second modular arm members 13,14 define substantially parallel planes upon construction. Further, themodular base member 11 and the first modular arm member 13 of theconstructed furniture piece 10 define substantially perpendicularplanes. The second modular arm member 14 and the base member 11 likewisedefine substantially perpendicular planes as illustrated in FIG. 1.

As a further advantage afforded the present invention, the individualmembers forming the furniture piece are stackable as depicted in FIG. 8.More specifically, the back member 12 may be removed from the basemember 11 and stacked upon an upper surface of the base member. In thisstacked configuration, the base member 11 and back member 12 may beshrink-wrapped for transportation. This capability increases storage andtransportation efficiencies beneficial to the furniture manufacturer aswell as the furniture merchant. Moreover, the arm members 13, 14 may bestacked upon the base member 11 between the base member and back member12. Alternatively, the arm members 13, 14 may be stacked upon the backsurface (i.e., horizontal surface) of the back member 12 fortransportation and storage, wherein the back member rests between thebase member 11 and arm members 13, 14.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12 depicting the second and third embodiments 28,29 of the present invention, the invention also provides a modularfurniture piece having a plurality of adjacent modular base members 49,50, 84, 85, 86, a plurality of modular back members 51, 52, 87, 88, 89,a first modular arm member 53, 90, and a second modular arm member 54,91. The base member, back member, and arm members are preferablyupholstered with suitable fabric for the benefit of individual users.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the modular base members aresubstantially rectangular. An alternative embodiment provides one ormore of the modular base members that are substantially trapezoidal.Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that one or more of the modularbase members may be any number of shapes (e.g., circular) suitable forforming one or more seating positions.

As depicted in the sofa of FIG. 11, the adjacent modular base members84, 85, 86 are releasably secured to one another to form a seating bench30. The seating bench 30 defines a first outer side panel 31 and asecond outer side panel 32. The plurality of modular base members 84,85, 86 preferably forms a substantially rectangular seating bench 30.Alternatively, the plurality of modular base members 84, 85, 86 may forman arcuate (i.e., bowed) seating bench 30 similar to a sectional sofathat extends adjacent to one or more walls of a room.

In preferred embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, at least one ofthe plurality of modular base members 49, 50, 84, 85, 86 include acorresponding back member 51, 52, 87, 88, 89, wherein the correspondingback member is releasably securable to at least one of the plurality ofmodular base members. In an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, each modular base member 49, 50, 84, 85, 86 includes acorresponding back member 51, 52, 87, 88, 89 that is likewise releasablysecurable to each modular base member. The corresponding back members51, 52, 87, 88, 89 are preferably substantially rectangular, but may beany number of shapes (e.g., trapezoidal) suitable for forming a backrest. Referring to FIG. 11, the seating bench 30 and the correspondingback members 51, 52, 87, 88, 89 define substantially perpendicularplanes.

Still referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, the first modular arm members 53, 90include opposing side panels that consist essentially of exteriorfinished panels 67, 101 and interior engagement panels 68, 102. Theexterior finished panels 67, 101 of these particular embodiments are nottypically configured to engage the first or second side panels of therespective base member. In contrast, the interior engagement panels 68,102 of the first modular arm members 53, 90 are capable of releasablyengaging either the first or second outer side panels 31, 32 of theseating bench 30.

The second modular arm members 54, 91 likewise include opposing sidepanels that define exterior finished panels 82, 103 and interiorengagement panels 83, 104. The interior engagement panels 83, 104 of thesecond modular arm member are capable of releasably engaging either thefirst or second outer side panels 31, 32 of the seating bench 30. Uponconstruction, the first and second modular arm members 53, 90, 54, 91define substantially parallel planes respectively, as depicted in FIGS.9 and 11.

Preferred embodiments of the first and second modular arm members 53,54, 90, 91 are substantially rectangular. It will be appreciated,however, that the arm members may be any number of shapes (e.g.,trapezoidal or circular) suitable for forming an armrest.

A more preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 provides at least one seating surface. In particular, thisembodiment includes a first base member 11, a first back member 12, anda first and second arm member 13, 14. For the benefit of individualsusing the present invention, the first base member 11, first back member12, and first and second arm members 13, 14 are preferably upholsteredwith suitable fabric for covering furniture pieces. The first basemember 11 includes a front panel 15, a rear panel 16, a first side panel17, and a second side panel 18. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the firstbase member 11 and first back member 12 include a plurality of fasteners35, 40. Specifically, the first back member 12 includes a plurality offasteners that are capable of correspondingly engaging the base memberfasteners. In this configuration, the back member 12 is releasablysecurable to the base member 11.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the present invention provides aplurality of fasteners 35 secured to the first and second arm members13, 14. The arm member 13, 14 fasteners 35 are capable ofcorrespondingly engaging the base member 11 fasteners 35 such that thearm members are releasably securable to the base member. Advantageously,the first and second arm members 13, 14 are interchangeable with respectto one another. Stated differently, the first and second arm members 13,14 are capable of correspondingly engaging the first or second sidepanels 17, 18 of the base member 11, respectively. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the first arm member 13 defines a front face 36 and arear face 37 that are substantially identical in appearance. Similarly,the second arm member 14 includes a front face 38 and a rear face 39that are substantially identical.

In a related aspect, the first and second arm members 13, 14 arereversible with respect to the orientation of the front faces 36, 38 andrear faces 37, 39 of each of the arm members. In other words, the firstand second arm members 13, 14 are capable of correspondingly engagingthe first or second side panels 17, 18 of the first base member 11,respectively.

Advantageously, the arm members 13, 14 are reversible (front to back)such that the manufacturer may incorporate a single style of arm memberto form a left and right arm of the furniture piece 10. In other words,the furniture manufacture is not required to manufacture separate leftand right arm members. Rather, it can manufacture one style of armmember that can be used on the left side of the furniture piece and theright side of the furniture piece. Thus, the present invention improvesmanufacturing efficiencies by reducing the amount of time and materialsrequired to produce the various members for eventual construction intothe furniture piece 10.

As specifically illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of base member 11fasteners 35 include two fasteners secured to the first side panel 17,two fasteners secured to the second side panel 18, and two fastenerssecured to the rear panel 16 of the base member 11. Referring to FIGS.4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B, the plurality of back member 12 fasteners 40include two fasteners secured to a lower portion of the back member 12adjacent to the base member 11. In yet further detail, the plurality offirst and second arm member 13, 14 fasteners 35 include two fastenerssecured to a side of the first arm member 13 and two fasteners securedto a side of the second arm member 14.

For the purpose of releasably securing the back member 12 to the basemember 11, the present invention permits the plurality of base member 11fasteners 35 and back member 12 fasteners 40, 41 to form correspondingengaging pairs of fasteners. As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, theplurality of base member 11 fasteners 40 a and the plurality of backmember 12 fasteners 40 b include a first pair 40 of correspondingfasteners secured respectively to one of the first or second side panels17, 18 of the first base member 11 and to a lower portion of the backmember 12 that is adjacent to the first base member. Alternatively, oneof the first pair 40 of corresponding fasteners is secured to the rearpanel 16 of the first base member 11 (as opposed to one of the sidepanels 17, 18 of the first base member 11). Stated differently, theplurality of base member 11 fasteners 40 a and the plurality of backmember 12 fasteners 40 b may also include a pair 40 of correspondingfasteners secured respectively to the rear panel 16 of the first basemember 11, and to a lower portion of the back member 12 adjacent to thebase member.

Further, the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-3 may also provide asecond pair 41 of corresponding fasteners for releasably securing theback member 12 to the base member 11. More specifically, the pluralityof base member 11 fasteners 41 a and the plurality of back member 12fasteners 41 b include first and second pairs 40, 41 of correspondingfasteners as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3. The first pair 40 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the first side panel17 of the first base member 11, and to an edge the back member 12adjacent to the first base member 11. The second pair 41 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the second side panel18 of the first base member 11, and to an edge of the first back member12 opposite the edge to which one of the first pair 40 of correspondingfasteners is secured.

In an alternative embodiment, one of the first pair 40 and one of thesecond pair 41 of corresponding fasteners may be secured to opposingends of the rear panel 16. Stated differently, the first pair 40 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to an end of the rearpanel 16 of the base member 11, and to an edge of the back member 12adjacent to the base member. The second pair 41 of correspondingfasteners is secured respectively to an end of the rear panel 16opposite the end to which one of the first pair 40 of correspondingfasteners is secured, and to an edge of the back member 12 opposite theedge to which one of the first pair 40 of corresponding fasteners issecured.

For the purpose of releasably securing the arm members 13, 14 to thebase member 11, the plurality of base member 11 fasteners 35 and theplurality of arm member 13, 14 fasteners 35 include first and secondpairs 42, 43 of corresponding fasteners. The first pair 42 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the first side panel17 of the first base member 11 and to a side 20 of the first arm member13. The second pair 43 of corresponding fasteners is securedrespectively to the second side panel 18 of the first base member 11 andto a side 26 of the second arm member 14.

More specifically, the plurality of base member 11 fasteners 35 andplurality of arm member 13, 14 fasteners 35 include a first pair 42,second pair 43, third pair 44, and fourth pair 45 of correspondingfasteners. As depicted in FIG. 3, the first pair 42 of correspondingfasteners is secured respectively to the first side panel 17 of thefirst base member 11, and to a side of the first arm member 13. Thesecond pair 43 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively to thesecond side panel 18 of the first base member 11, and to a side of thesecond arm member 14. The third pair 44 of corresponding fasteners issecured respectively to the first side panel 17 of the first base member11, and to a side of the first arm member 13. The fourth pair 45 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the second side panel18 of the first base member 11, and to a side of the second arm member14. Referring to FIG. 3, the first and third pairs 42, 44 of fastenersare spaced apart from one another. Further, the second and fourth pairs43, 45 of fasteners are spaced apart from one another.

In a preferred embodiment of the chair illustrated in FIG. 1, the firstbase member 11, first back member 12, and first and second arm members13, 14 are substantially rectangular. Alternatively, the base member 11,back member 12, and arm members 13, 14 may be in any shape (e.g.,trapezoidal or circular) suitable for forming furniture. Uponconstruction, the first base member 11 and first back member 12 definesubstantially perpendicular planes, and the first and second arm members13, 14 define substantially parallel planes.

Another embodiment 28 of the present invention (commonly referred to asa loveseat) provides at least two seating surfaces. As depicted in FIGS.9 and 10, this particular embodiment includes first and second adjacentbase members 49, 50, first and second back members 51, 52, and first andsecond arm members 53, 54. The first and second base members 49, 50,first and second back members 51, 52, and first and second arm members53, 54 are preferably upholstered with suitable fabric for coveringfurniture pieces. Each of the first and second base members 49, 50include front panels 55, 56; rear panels 57, 58; first side panels 59,60; and second side panels 61, 62, respectively. A plurality offasteners 35 is provided on the first and second base members 49, 50 tofacilitate construction of the members into a furniture piece.

A plurality of fasteners 40 is also provided on the first and secondback members 51, 52 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The first and second backmember 51, 52 fasteners 40 b are capable of correspondingly engaging thebase member 49, 50 fasteners 40 a such that either one of the first orsecond back members 51, 52 is releasably securable to either one of thefirst or second base members 49, 50.

In construction similar to the first embodiment of the presentinvention, the first and second arm members 53, 54 include a pluralityof fasteners 35 that are capable of correspondingly engaging the basemember 49, 50 fasteners 35. Accordingly, the first and second armmembers 53, 54 are releasably securable to the base members 49, 50. Ofparticular benefit, the first and second arm members 53, 54 areinterchangeable with respect to one another such that each one of thefirst and second arm members 53, 54 is capable of correspondinglyengaging either the first side panel 59 of the first base member 49 orthe second side panel 62 of the second base member 50, respectively. Thefirst and second arm members 53, 54 of the second embodiment definefront faces 63, 65 and rear faces 64, 66, respectively, that aresubstantially identical in appearance.

In a related aspect of the second embodiment 28 of the presentinvention, the first and second arm members 53, 54 are reversible withrespect to the orientation of the front faces 63, 65 and rear faces 64,66 of each of the arm members such that each one of the first and secondarm members 53, 54 is capable of correspondingly engaging either thefirst side panel 59 of the first base member 49 or the second side panel62 of the second base member 50, respectively.

In the specific embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the plurality of firstand second base member 49, 50 fasteners 35 includes two fastenerssecured to the first side panel 59 of the first base member 49, twofasteners secured to the second side panel 61 of the first base member49, two fasteners secured to the first side panel 60 of the second basemember 50, two fasteners secured to the second side panel 62 of thesecond base member 50, two fasteners secured to the rear panel 57 of thefirst base member 49, and two fasteners secured to the rear panel 58 ofthe second base member 50.

Further referring to FIG. 10, the plurality of first and second backmember 51, 52 fasteners 40 b includes two fasteners secured to a lowerportion of the first back member 51 adjacent to the first base member49, and two fasteners secured to a lower portion of the second backmember 52 adjacent to the second base member 50.

With reference to the placement of the first and second arm member 53,54 fasteners 35, the plurality of first and second arm member fastenersincludes two fasteners secured to a side of the first arm member 53, andtwo fasteners secured to a side of the second arm member 54.

In a more general sense, the second embodiment 28 of the presentinvention provides pairs of corresponding fasteners 35 secured to thevarious members to assist in the construction of the furniture piece. Asillustrated in FIG. 10, the plurality of first and second base member49, 50 fasteners 35 includes a first and second pair 70, 71 ofcorresponding fasteners. The first pair 70 of corresponding fasteners issecured respectively to one of the first or second side panels 59, 61 ofthe first base member 49, and to one of the first or second side panels60, 62 of the second base member 50.

More specifically, the first pair 70 of corresponding fasteners issecured respectively to the second side panel 61 of the first basemember 49, and to the first side panel 60 of the second base member 50.The second pair 71 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively tothe second side panel 61 of the first base member 49, and to the firstside panel 60 of the second base member 50. In this particularembodiment, the first and second pairs 70, 71 of corresponding fastenersare spaced apart from one another.

To accomplish the engagement of the back members 51, 52 to the basemembers 49, 50, the plurality of first and second base member 49, 50fasteners 40 a and the plurality of first and second back member 51, 52fasteners 40 b include pairs of engaged fasteners 73, 74, 75, and 76secured respectively to one of the first or second side panels 59, 60,61, 62 of the first or second base members 49, 50, and to a lowerportion of one of the first or second back members 51, 52 adjacent tothe first or second base members in a fashion similar to that shown inFIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. Alternatively, the plurality of first andsecond base member 49, 50 fasteners 40 a and the plurality of first andsecond back member 51, 52 fasteners 40 b include pairs of engagedfasteners 73, 74, 75, and 76 secured respectively to one of the rearpanels 57, 58 (as opposed to the side panels 59, 60, 61, 62) of thefirst or second base members 49, 50, and to a lower portion of one ofthe first or second back members 51, 52 adjacent to the first or secondbase members 49, 50.

More specifically, the plurality of first and second base member 49, 50fasteners 40 a and the plurality of first and second back member 51, 52fasteners 40 b include a first pair 73, a second pair 74, a third pair75, and fourth pair 76 of corresponding fasteners. The first pair 73 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the first side panel59 of the first base member 49, and to an edge of the first back member51 adjacent to the first base member 49. The second pair 74 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the second side panel61 of the first base member 49, and to an edge of the first back member51 opposite the edge to which one of the first pair 73 of correspondingfasteners is secured. The third pair 75 of corresponding fasteners issecured respectively to the first side panel 60 of the second basemember 50, and to an edge of the second back member 52 adjacent to thesecond base member 50. The fourth pair 76 of corresponding fasteners issecured respectively to the second side panel 62 of the second basemember 50, and to an edge of the second back member 52 opposite the edgeto which one of the third pair 75 of corresponding fasteners is secured.

In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of first and second basemember 49, 50 fasteners and the plurality of first and second backmember 51, 52 fasteners likewise includes a first pair 73, a second pair74, a third pair 75, and a fourth pair 76 of corresponding fasteners.The first pair 73 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively toan end of the rear panel 57 of the first base member 49, and to an edgeof the first back member 51 adjacent to the first base member 49. Thesecond pair 74 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively to anend of the rear panel 57 of the first base member 49 opposite the end towhich one of the first pair 73 of corresponding fasteners is secured,and to an edge of the first back member 51 opposite the edge to whichone of the first pair 73 of corresponding fasteners is secured. Thethird pair 75 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively to anend of the rear panel 58 of the second base member 50, and to an edge ofthe second back member 52 adjacent to the second base member 50.Finally, the fourth pair 76 of corresponding fasteners is securedrespectively to an end of the rear panel 58 of the second base member 50opposite the end to which one of the third pair 75 of correspondingfasteners is secured, and to an edge of the second back member 52opposite the edge to which one of the third pair 75 of correspondingfasteners is secured.

In a fashion similar to the first embodiment 10 of the presentinvention, the second embodiment 28 provides pairs of correspondingfasteners 35 for releasably securing the arm members 53, 54 to the basemembers 49, 50. The plurality of base member 49, 50 fasteners 35 and theplurality of arm member 53, 54 fasteners 35 include a first pair 78 offasteners secured respectively to one of the first or second side panels59, 60, 61, 62 of the first or second base members 49, 50, and to a sideof the first or second arm members 53, 54.

As specifically disclosed in FIG. 10, the plurality of base member 49,50 fasteners 35 and the plurality of arm member 53, 54 fasteners 35include first and second pairs 78, 79 of corresponding fasteners. Thefirst pair 78 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively to thefirst side panel 59 of the first base member 49, and to a side of thefirst arm member 53. The second pair 79 of corresponding fasteners issecured respectively to the second side panel 62 of the second basemember 50, and to a side of the second arm member 54.

In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of base member 49, 50fasteners 35 and the plurality of arm member 53, 54 fasteners 35 includea first pair 78, second pair 79, third pair 80, and fourth pair 81 ofcorresponding fasteners. The first pair 78 of corresponding fasteners issecured respectively to the first side panel 59 of the first base member49, and to a side of the first arm member 53. The second pair 79 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the second side panel62 of the second base member 50, and to a side of the second arm member54. The third pair 80 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectivelyto the first side panel 59 of the first base member 49, and to a side ofthe first arm member 53. The fourth pair 81 of corresponding fastenersis secured respectively to the second side panel 62 of the second basemember 50, and to a side of the second arm member 54. The first andthird pairs 78, 80 of corresponding fasteners are spaced apart from oneanother. In like fashion, the second and fourth pairs 79, 81 ofcorresponding fasteners are spaced apart from one another.

It will be understood that preferred embodiments of the first and secondbase members 49, 50; first and second back members 51, 52; and first andsecond arm members 53, 54 are substantially rectangular, but may takethe form of any number of shapes conducive to forming a furniture piece.With respect to the orientation of the second embodiment 28 depicted inFIG. 9, the first and second base members 49, 50 and first and secondback members 51, 52 define substantially perpendicular planes,respectively. Further, the first and second arm members 53, 54 definesubstantially parallel planes.

Yet another embodiment 29 of the present invention (commonly referred toas a sofa) provides at least three seating surfaces. As depicted inFIGS. 11 and 12, this particular embodiment 29 includes first, second,and third engaged base members 84, 85, 86; first, second, and third backmembers 87, 88, 89; and first and second arm members 90, 91. Each of thefirst, second, and third base members 84, 85, 86 include a front panel92, 93, 94; a rear panel 95, 96, 97; a first side panel 98, 99, 100; anda second side panel 105, 106, 107. Further, each of the base members 84,85, 86 include a plurality of fasteners 35 that support the releasableengagement the base members, as well as the back members 87, 88, 84 andarm members 90, 91. Each of the base members, back members, and armmembers are preferably upholstered.

This further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 also provides a pluralityof fasteners 40 b on the first, second, and third back members 87, 88,89 that correspondingly engage the plurality of fasteners 40 a on thefirst, second, and third base members 84, 85, 86, respectively. Thefirst and second arm members 90, 91 also include a plurality offasteners 35 capable of correspondingly engaging the base member 84, 85,86 fasteners 35. In this configuration, the first and second arm members90, 91 are interchangeable with respect to one another such each one ofthe first and second arm members 90, 91 is capable of correspondinglyengaging either the first side panel 98 of the first base member 84 orthe second side panel 107 of the third base member 86, respectively.

With respect to the base members 84, 85, 86 as depicted in FIG. 12, theplurality of first, second, and third base member fasteners 35 includesa first pair 110, second pair 111, third pair 112, and fourth pair 113of corresponding fasteners. The first pair 110 of correspondingfasteners is secured respectively to the second side panel 105 of thefirst base member 84, and to the first side panel 99 of the second basemember 85. The second pair 111 of corresponding fasteners is securedrespectively to the second side panel 106 of the second base member 85,and to the first side panel 100 of the third base member 86. The thirdpair 112 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively to thesecond side panel 105 of the first base member 84, and to the first sidepanel 99 of the second base member 85. The fourth pair 113 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the second side panel106 of the second base member 85, and to the first side panel 100 of thethird base member 86. As depicted in FIG. 12, the first and third pairs110, 112 of corresponding fasteners are spaced apart from one another,and the second and fourth pairs 111, 113 of corresponding fasteners arespaced apart from one another. It will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that the embodiment 29 of the present invention depicted inFIG. 12 may include fewer fasteners 35 and therefore fewer correspondingpairs of fasteners in a fashion similar to the earlier embodimentsdescribed above.

Referring to the base members 84, 85, 86 and back members 87, 88, 89,the plurality of first, second, and third base member fasteners 40 a andthe plurality of first, second, and third back member fasteners 40 binclude a first pair 116, second pair 117, third pair 118, fourth pair119, fifth pair 120, and sixth pair 121 of corresponding fasteners. Thefirst pair 116 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively to thefirst side panel 98 of the first base member 84, and to an edge of thefirst back member 87 adjacent to the first base member 84. The secondpair 117 of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively to thesecond side panel 105 of the first base member 84, and to an edge of thefirst back member 87 opposite the edge to which one of the first pair116 of corresponding fasteners is secured. The third pair 118 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the first side panel99 of the second base member 85, and to an edge of the second backmember 88 adjacent to the second base member 85. The fourth pair 119 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the second side panel106 of the second base member 85, and to an edge of the second backmember 88 opposite the edge to which one of the third pair 118 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured. The fifth pair 120 of correspondingfasteners is secured respectively to the first side panel 100 of thethird base member 86, and to an edge of the third back member 89adjacent to the third base member 86. The sixth pair 121 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the second side panel107 of the third base member 86, and to an edge of the third back member89 opposite the edge to which one of the fifth pair 120 of correspondingfasteners is secured.

With respect to the base members 84, 85, 86 and arm members 90, 91, theplurality of the first, second, and third base member fasteners 35 andplurality of the first and second arm member fasteners 35 include afirst pair 125, second pair 126, third pair 127, and fourth pair 128 ofcorresponding fasteners. The first pair 125 of corresponding fastenersis secured respectively to the first side panel 98 of the first basemember 84, and to a side of the first arm member 90. The second pair 126of corresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the second sidepanel 107 of the third base member 86, and to a side of the second armmember 91. The third pair 127 of corresponding fasteners is securedrespectively to the first side panel 98 of the first base member 84, andto a side of the first arm member 90. The fourth pair 128 ofcorresponding fasteners is secured respectively to the second side panel107 of the third base member 86, and to a side of the second arm member91. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the first and third pairs 125, 127 ofcorresponding fasteners are spaced apart from one another. The secondand fourth 126, 128 pairs of corresponding fasteners are likewise spacedapart from one another.

In a preferred embodiment, the first, second, and third base members 84,85, 86; the first, second, and third back members 87, 88, 89; and thefirst and second arm members 90, 91 are substantially rectangular.Nevertheless, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thateach base member, back member, and arm member may be any number ofshapes (e.g., trapezoidal or circular) suitable for forming a seatingarea, a seatback, or armrest, respectively.

Upon construction, the first, second, and third base members 84, 85, 86,and the first, second, and third back members 87, 88, 89 definesubstantially perpendicular planes, respectively, as depicted in FIG.11. Further, the first and second arm members 90, 91 definesubstantially parallel planes.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typicalembodiments on the invention and, although specific terms have beenemployed, they have been used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being setforth in the following claims.

1. A modular furniture piece, comprising: a modular base member having afront panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel;and a first modular arm member having opposing side panels, saidopposing side panels consisting essentially of an exterior finishedpanel and an interior engagement panel; wherein said interior engagementpanel of said first modular arm member is capable of releasably engagingeither said first side panel or said second side panel of said modularbase member, whereby said exterior finished panel of said first modulararm member defines a first exterior side surface of said modularfurniture piece.
 2. A modular furniture piece according to claim 1,wherein said modular base member is substantially trapezoidal.
 3. Amodular furniture piece according to claim 1, wherein said modular basemember is substantially rectangular.
 4. A modular furniture pieceaccording to claim 1, wherein said modular base member includes acorresponding back member, said corresponding back member releasablysecurable to said modular base member.
 5. A modular furniture pieceaccording to claim 4, wherein said corresponding back member issubstantially rectangular.
 6. A modular furniture piece according toclaim 4, wherein said modular base member and said corresponding backmember define substantially perpendicular planes.
 7. A modular furniturepiece according to claim 1, wherein said first modular arm member issubstantially rectangular.
 8. A modular furniture piece according toclaim 1, wherein said modular base member and said first modular armmember define substantially perpendicular planes.
 9. A modular furniturepiece according to claim 1, further comprising a second modular armmember having opposing side panels, said opposing side panels consistingessentially of an exterior finished panel and an interior engagementpanel; wherein said interior engagement panel of said second modular armmember is capable of releasably engaging either said first side panel orsaid second side panel of said modular base member, whereby saidexterior finished panel of said second modular arm member defines asecond exterior side surface of said modular furniture piece.
 10. Amodular furniture piece according to claim 9, wherein said first andsecond modular arm members define substantially parallel planes.
 11. Amodular furniture piece, comprising: a plurality of adjacent modularbase members releasably secured to one another to form a seating bench,said seating bench defining a first outer side panel and a second outerside panel; and a first modular arm member having opposing side panels,said opposing side panels consisting essentially of an exterior finishedpanel and an interior engagement panel; wherein said interior engagementpanel of said first modular arm member is capable of releasably engagingeither said first outer side panel or said second outer side panel ofsaid seating bench.
 12. A modular furniture piece according to claim 11,wherein one or more of said modular base members are substantiallytrapezoidal.
 13. A modular furniture piece according to claim 11,wherein one or more of said modular base members are substantiallyrectangular.
 14. A modular furniture piece according to claim 11,wherein said plurality of modular base members form a substantiallyrectangular seating bench.
 15. A modular furniture piece according toclaim 11, wherein said plurality of modular base members form an arcuateseating bench.
 16. A modular furniture piece according to claim 11,wherein at least one of said plurality of modular base members includesa corresponding back member, said corresponding back member releasablysecurable to at least one of said plurality of modular base members. 17.A modular furniture piece according to claim 16, wherein saidcorresponding back member is substantially rectangular.
 18. A modularfurniture piece according to claim 16, wherein said seating bench andsaid corresponding back member define substantially perpendicularplanes.
 19. A modular furniture piece according to claim 11, whereineach modular base member includes a corresponding back member, saidcorresponding back members releasably securable to each modular basemember.
 20. A modular furniture piece according to claim 11, furthercomprising a second modular arm member having opposing side panels, saidopposing side panels consisting essentially of an exterior finishedpanel and an interior engagement panel; wherein said interior engagementpanel of said second modular arm member is capable of releasablyengaging either said first outer side panel or said second outer sidepanel of said seating bench.
 21. A modular furniture piece according toclaim 20, wherein said first and second modular arm members definesubstantially parallel planes.
 22. A modular furniture piece accordingto claim 20, wherein said first and second modular arm members aresubstantially rectangular.
 23. A modular furniture piece providing atleast one seating surface, said furniture piece comprising: a first basemember having a front panel, rear panel, first side panel, and secondside panel, said base member having a plurality of fasteners; a firstback member having a plurality of fasteners, said back member fastenerscapable of correspondingly engaging said base member fasteners such thatsaid back member is releasably securable to said base member; and afirst and second arm member having a plurality of fasteners, said firstand second arm member fasteners capable of correspondingly engaging saidbase member fasteners such that said arm members are releasablysecurable to said base member; wherein said first and second arm membersare interchangeable with respect to one another such that said first andsecond arm members are capable of correspondingly engaging said firstside panel or said second side panel of said base member, respectively.24. A modular furniture piece according to claim 23, wherein said firstbase member, said first back member, and said first and second armmembers are upholstered.
 25. A modular furniture piece according toclaim 23, wherein said first and second arm members are reversible withrespect to the orientation of a front face and a rear face of each ofsaid arm members, such that said first and second arm members arecapable of correspondingly engaging said first side panel or said secondside panel of said first base member, respectively.
 26. A modularfurniture piece according to claim 23, wherein said plurality of basemember fasteners and said plurality of back member fasteners include afirst pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to one ofsaid first or second side panels of said first base member and to alower portion of said back member adjacent to said first base member.27. A modular furniture piece according to claim 23, wherein saidplurality of base member fasteners and said plurality of back memberfasteners include: a first pair of corresponding fasteners securedrespectively to said first side panel of said first base member, and toan edge said back member adjacent to said first base member; and asecond pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to saidsecond side panel of said first base member, and to an edge of saidfirst back member opposite the edge to which one of said first pair ofcorresponding fasteners is secured.
 28. A modular furniture pieceaccording to claim 23, wherein said first base member, said first backmember, and said first and second arm members are substantiallyrectangular.
 29. A modular furniture piece according to claim 23,wherein said first base member and said first back member definesubstantially perpendicular planes.
 30. A modular furniture pieceaccording to claim 23, wherein said plurality of base member fastenersand said plurality of arm member fasteners include: a first pair ofcorresponding fasteners secured respectively to said first side panel ofsaid first base member and to a side of said first arm member; and asecond pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to saidsecond side panel of said first base member and to a side of said secondarm member.
 31. A modular furniture piece according to claim 23, whereinsaid plurality of base member fasteners and said plurality of arm memberfasteners include: a first pair of corresponding fasteners securedrespectively to said first side panel of said first base member, and toa side of said first arm member; a second pair of correspondingfasteners secured respectively to said second side panel of said firstbase member, and to a side of said second arm member; a third pair ofcorresponding fasteners secured respectively to said first side panel ofsaid first base member, and to a side of said first arm member; and afourth pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to saidsecond side panel of said first base member, and to a side of saidsecond arm member; wherein said first and third pairs of fasteners arespaced apart from one another; and wherein said second and fourth pairsof fasteners are spaced apart from one another.
 32. A modular furniturepiece according to claim 23, wherein said first and second arm membersdefine substantially parallel planes.
 33. A modular furniture pieceproviding at least two seating surfaces, said furniture piececomprising: first and second adjacent base members each having a frontpanel, rear panel, first side panel, and second side panel, each of saidbase members having a plurality of fasteners; first and second backmembers each having a plurality of fasteners, said back member fastenerscapable of correspondingly engaging said base member fasteners such thateither one of said first or second back members is releasably securableto either one of said first or second base members; and first and secondarm members each having a plurality of fasteners, said arm memberfasteners capable of correspondingly engaging said base member fastenerssuch that said arm members are releasably securable to said basemembers; wherein said first and second arm members are interchangeablewith respect to one another such that each one of said first and secondarm members is capable of correspondingly engaging either said firstside panel of said first base member or said second side panel of saidsecond base member, respectively.
 34. A modular furniture pieceaccording to claim 33, wherein said first and second base members, saidfirst and second back members, and said first and second arm members areupholstered.
 35. A modular furniture piece according to claim 33,wherein said first and second arm members are reversible with respect tothe orientation of a front face and a rear face of each of said armmembers, such that each one of said first and second arm members iscapable of correspondingly engaging either said first side panel of saidfirst base member or said second side panel of said second base member,respectively.
 36. A modular furniture piece according to claim 33,wherein said plurality of first and second base member fastenersincludes a first pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively toone of said first or second side panels of said first base member, andto one of said first or second side panels of said second base member.37. A modular furniture piece according to claim 33, wherein saidplurality of first and second base member fasteners includes: a firstpair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to said second sidepanel of said first base member, and to said first side panel of saidsecond base member; and a second pair of corresponding fasteners securedrespectively to said second side panel of said first base member, and tosaid first side panel of said second base member; wherein said first andsecond pair of corresponding fasteners are spaced apart from oneanother.
 38. A modular furniture piece according to claim 33, whereinsaid plurality of first and second base member fasteners and saidplurality of first and second back member fasteners include a first pairof fasteners secured respectively to one of said first or second sidepanels of said first or second base members, and to a lower portion ofone of said first or second back members adjacent to said first orsecond base members.
 39. A modular furniture piece according to claim33, wherein said plurality of first and second base member fasteners andsaid plurality of first and second back member fasteners include: afirst pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to said firstside panel of said first base member, and to an edge of said first backmember adjacent to said first base member; a second pair ofcorresponding fasteners secured respectively to said second side panelof said first base member, and to an edge of said first back memberopposite the edge to which one of said first pair of correspondingfasteners is secured; a third pair of corresponding fasteners securedrespectively to said first side panel of said second base member, and toan edge of said second back member adjacent to said second base member;and a fourth pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively tosaid second side panel of said second base member, and to an edge ofsaid second back member opposite the edge to which one of said thirdpair of corresponding fasteners is secured.
 40. A modular furniturepiece according to claim 33, wherein said plurality of base memberfasteners and said plurality of arm member fasteners include a firstpair of fasteners secured respectively to one of said first or secondside panels of said first or second base members, and to a side of saidfirst or second arm members.
 41. A modular furniture piece according toclaim 33, wherein said plurality of base member fasteners and saidplurality of arm member fasteners include: a first pair of correspondingfasteners secured respectively to said first side panel of said firstbase member, and to a side of said first arm member; and a second pairof corresponding fasteners secured respectively to said second sidepanel of said second base member, and to a side of said second armmember.
 42. A modular furniture piece according to claim 33, whereinsaid plurality of base member fasteners and said plurality of arm memberfasteners include: a first pair of corresponding fasteners securedrespectively to said first side panel of said first base member, and toa side of said first arm member; a second pair of correspondingfasteners secured respectively to said second side panel of said secondbase member, and to a side of said second arm member; a third pair ofcorresponding fasteners secured respectively to said first side panel ofsaid first base member, and to a side of said first arm member; and afourth pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to saidsecond side panel of said second base member, and to a side of saidsecond arm member; wherein said first and third pair of correspondingfasteners are spaced apart from one another; and wherein said second andfourth pair of corresponding fasteners are spaced apart from oneanother.
 43. A modular furniture piece according to claim 33, whereinsaid first and second base members, said first and second back members,and said first and second arm members are substantially rectangular. 44.A modular furniture piece according to claim 33, wherein said first andsecond base members, and said first and second back members, definesubstantially perpendicular planes, respectively.
 45. A modularfurniture piece according to claim 33, wherein said first and second armmembers define substantially parallel planes.
 46. A modular furniturepiece providing at least three seating surfaces, said furniture piececomprising: first, second, and third engaged base members each having afront panel, rear panel, first side panel, and second side panel, eachof said base members having a plurality of fasteners; first, second, andthird back members each having a plurality of fasteners correspondinglyengaging said first, second, and third base members, respectively; andfirst and second arm members each having a plurality of fasteners;wherein said first and second arm members are interchangeable withrespect to one another such each one of said first and second armmembers is capable of correspondingly engaging either said first sidepanel of said first base member or said second side panel of said thirdbase member, respectively.
 47. A modular furniture piece according toclaim 46, wherein each of said base members, each of said back members,and each of said arm members are upholstered.
 48. A modular furniturepiece according to claim 46, wherein said plurality of first, second,and third base member fasteners includes: a first pair of correspondingfasteners secured respectively to said second side panel of said firstbase member, and to said first side panel of said second base member; asecond pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to saidsecond side panel of said second base member, and to said first sidepanel of said third base member; a third pair of corresponding fastenerssecured respectively to said second side panel of said first basemember, and to said first side panel of said second base member; and afourth pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to saidsecond side panel of said second base member, and to said first sidepanel of said third base member; wherein said first and third pair ofcorresponding fasteners are spaced apart from one another; and whereinsaid second and fourth pair of corresponding fasteners are spaced apartfrom one another.
 49. A modular furniture piece according to claim 46,wherein said plurality of first, second, and third base member fastenersand said plurality of first, second, and third back member fastenersinclude: a first pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively tosaid first side panel of said first base member, and to an edge of saidfirst back member adjacent to said first base member; a second pair ofcorresponding fasteners secured respectively to said second side panelof said first base member, and to an edge of said first back memberopposite the edge to which one of said first pair of correspondingfasteners is secured; a third pair of corresponding fasteners securedrespectively to said first side panel of said second base member, and toan edge of said second back member adjacent to said second base member;a fourth pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to saidsecond side panel of said second base member, and to an edge of saidsecond back member opposite the edge to which one of said third pair ofcorresponding fasteners is secured; a fifth pair of correspondingfasteners secured respectively to said first side panel of said thirdbase member, and to an edge of said third back member adjacent to saidthird base member; and a sixth pair of corresponding fasteners securedrespectively to said second side panel of said third base member, and toan edge of said third back member opposite the edge to which one of saidfifth pair of corresponding fasteners is secured.
 50. A modularfurniture piece according to claim 46, wherein said plurality of saidfirst, second, and third base member fasteners and said plurality ofsaid first and second arm member fasteners include: a first pair ofcorresponding fasteners secured respectively to said first side panel ofsaid first base member, and to a side of said first arm member; a secondpair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively to said second sidepanel of said third base member, and to a side of said second armmember; a third pair of corresponding fasteners secured respectively tosaid first side panel of said first base member, and to a side of saidfirst arm member; and a fourth pair of corresponding fasteners securedrespectively to said second side panel of said third base member, and toa side of said second arm member; wherein said first and third pair ofcorresponding fasteners are spaced apart from one another; and whereinsaid second and fourth pair of corresponding fasteners are spaced apartfrom one another.
 51. A modular furniture piece according to claim 46,wherein said first, second, and third base members, said first, second,and third back members, and said first and second arm members aresubstantially rectangular.
 52. A modular furniture piece according toclaim 46, wherein said first, second, and third base members, and saidfirst, second, and third back members define substantially perpendicularplanes, respectively.
 53. A modular furniture piece according to claim46, wherein said first and second arm members define substantiallyparallel planes.